Jorge Lorenzo interview on his decision to stay with Yamaha

In an interview with Spanish Sports magazin AS.com, Jorge Lorenzo talks about the drama and decisions that surrounded him during his contract negotiations with Yamaha, and how seriously he took the counter offers from Ducati and Honda. Some highlights translated from the Spanish below.

Q: Congratulations on the news.

A: Thank you.

Q: Does it feel like a weight has been taken off?

The truth is I was not very worried, because when you make a decision you have to be one hundred percent convinced. I think is best.

Q: What made you decide to renew with Yamaha?

First, I must thank Ducati interest because the offer they made me was very difficult to refuse. In the end, I chose to stay with Yamaha for the trust placed in me three years ago when I had not even won the 250cc title. Especially for the people, by Lin Jarvis and, to a lesser extent, for Furusawa. I stay at Yamaha for this, because I have confidence and two years with the bike I know very well and I think it is best to try to win the title.

Q: How close were you to going to Ducati?

A: The truth, to be honest, I’ve changed a lot over the days. Some days I looked at Ducati and others on Yamaha. The truth is that Yamaha has made a great effort to keep me and this, coupled with the great trust placed in me over the years, I decided on Yamaha.

Q: Why only one year?

A: I think the best solution is a year to see how things go and everything unfolds.

Q: Do you see yourself in a position to win the title next year?

A: I think I’ll be more prepared than this. I work hard and hope to have the greatest chance to get it this year.